Cause of Headaches

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Although medical science cannot pinpoint the exact cause of headaches in a patient, some of the most common causes can typically be identified in the majority of cases. In order to properly diagnosis a headache, physician will usually categorize headaches in one of the following types. The most common form of headache, is known as a Primary Headache and they are experienced by nearly everyone. Primary headaches are what the majority of headaches can be diagnosed as, and are almost never life threatening. Sinus headaches are associated with a deep and constant pain in the cheekbones, forehead or bridge of the nose. Cluster headaches are a far more serious form of headache, that although not life threatening, can bring about serious pain. When a cluster headache occurs, it can be accompanied by severe pain that focuses behind the eyes, also water running from the eyes and nose are common with cluster headaches.

Tension headaches, are the most common type of headaches among adults and adolescents Many experts believe that the high majority of primary headaches are associated with some type of tension. The muscles that surround the skull sometimes contract, putting too much pressure on the head. Although the reasons for skull muscle contraction are difficult to ascertain, it is commonly seen as a result of emotional or physical stress. Migraines occur in certain areas of the brain, but the exact causes of migraines are unknown, however, they are related to blood vessel contractions and other changes in the brain. There are multiple symptoms associated with Migraines, such as, loss of appetite, eye sensitivity to light, nausea, over sensitivity to noise and odors, upset stomach or abdominal pain.

Migraine pain is moderate to severe, often described as pounding, throbbing pain. Migraines can last for several hours or even several days and people who suffer from them often get them at least once a month. Inflammatory headaches or Chronic progressive headaches get worse over a period of time, in both strength and frequency. These type of chronic headaches are not common and around less than 5% of all adults will experience them. Hormone headaches occur in women and are often associated with changing hormone levels that occur during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Also, chemically induced hormone changes, such as with birth control pills, also trigger headaches in some women.

Secondary headaches occur as a symptom of a more serious problem. Secondary headaches are those that are due to an underlying structural problem in the head or neck and there are numerous causes of this type of headache ranging from bleeding in the brain to a tumor. The patient history and physical examination provide the best means for determining the cause of secondary headaches, in addition to lab and radiology tests when deemed necessary. Secondary headaches can be quite painful, and may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as sensory phenomenon. If you suffer from a headache, you should seek medical care for new onset headaches, fever, stiff neck, change in behavior, vomiting, weakness or change in sensation.

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